Composite Video Cables

(With or without accompanying Stereo Audio)

"Composite" video (not to be confused with "component" video) was the first analogue baseband video standard seen in home theater applications, and is basically just NTSC standard-definition video, without RF modulation. Composite video is carried on just a single cable, usually terminated with an RCA plug but sometimes with a BNC or F-connector, and usually colour-coded yellow on device inputs and outputs. This single cable carries video only, and so it is always necessary to route audio alongside the video. Whenever a better analogue or digital video standard is available for use, it's better to go with that, be it s-video, component video, RGB, DVI or HDMI--but for some applications, notably the standard-definition VHS tape deck, composite video is still the best way to get baseband signals in and out.

The Coax: Belden 1694A

Our favourite cable (many others are available; see below) for composite video use is Belden 1694A "Brilliance" precision digital video coaxial cable, a 75 ohm coax engineered for low attenuation, low capacitance and tight impedance tolerance. These cables are exceptionally well shielded to keep outside electromagnetic and radio-frequency interference from entering and polluting the signal; the shielding consists of a combination of a dense (95% coverage) tinned copper braid and a double-sided aluminum-on-polyester foil, for the best protection both against EMI and RFI. View the technical specs for Belden 1694A.

The Connectors: Canare RCAPs

Connectors are a critical part of any cable, because if the coax isn't well-joined to the connectors, or if the connectors don't make firm electrical contact with the jacks, it doesn't much matter how good the coax is. For mechanical stability and electrical performance, there's no better RCA plug available than the Canare RCAP. These Canare plugs are designed for the best possible impedance match with 75 ohm video coax, important at video frequencies. These plugs crimp tightly to both the center conductor and the coaxial shield, so that the shielding of the whole cable assembly is tight and uninterrupted. The RCAP's gold-plated "internal pressure contact fingers" provide a strong, tight, electrically sound connection with equipment jacks, without the excessive tightness of many competing designs. View Canare's description and specs for the RCAP plugs. Need BNC plugs or F-connectors instead? See below.

Composite Video/Stereo Audio Combination Cables

Sometimes audio will run separately from video, as in a projector installation; but if you need to run stereo audio alongside your composite video cable, as in a conventional VCR-to-TV hookup, we also sell our composite video cables with accompanying stereo audio cables. These can be bundled together in the optional Techflex cable wrap, or can be kept separate for easier routing. Because precision video cable also happens to make excellent analogue audio cable (it's low in capacitance, and thoroughly well-shielded), we make these sets using the same cable type for the audio as for the video; functionally, this practice also makes these cable sets fully interchangeable with component video cables, the only difference being in the colour of the strain relief boots.

We hand-cut and terminate each of these cables ourselves, using Canare tooling, so we know they're done right and tested before they go out. We think you'll be impressed with their performance; but we also offer a simple and easy return policy. If for any reason you're not completely satisfied, just return the cables, undamaged, within 30 days and we'll refund your purchase price in full.

Other Alternatives:

In addition to our standard Belden 1694A/Canare RCAP configuration, we can supply the following options:

Other coaxes:

We carry a variety of coaxial cables from which we can make individual cable assemblies. A couple are listed below; for a complete list, click here.

Belden 1505F Coax:

For most applications, where cables will be installed once or a few times and seldom handled, we recommend the solid-conductor coaxes above. However, if you will be handling your cables on a regular basis because of frequent system reconfigurations, or mobile use, or what-have-you, a multistranded, more flexible cable will stand up to that handling much better. For that reason, we offer cables made from Belden 1505F coax. 1505F is a smaller, more flexible cable than 1694A, with a compacted stranded center conductor and a double braid shield.View Belden's specs for 1505F.

Belden 1695A Coax:

Belden 1695A is a Teflon-dielectric version of 1694A and carries a plenum fire-safety rating; its performance is essentially identical to that of 1694A. View Belden's specs for 1695A.

To Order:

Just fill in your cable length in feet in the appropriate form below, select any applicable options, and the price will display to the right. To purchase, click "add to cart." To view prices of these cables in a wide variety of lengths, see our Composite Video Price Table.